Swansea city centre has concluded a robust year of commercial growth and improved safety, setting an optimistic tone for 2026. New data reveals a significant net gain in businesses alongside marked progress in crime prevention and public realm investment.
A Surge in New Retail and Hospitality
Throughout 2025, the city centre recorded 46 visible business openings against just 17 closures. This represents a notable 27% increase in new openings compared to the previous year. The influx includes a diverse mix of national brands and independent ventures, significantly enhancing the city's retail and hospitality offering.
Major names such as Rituals, Skechers, and Popeye’s have been joined by Wingstop, Slim Chickens, and The Swansea Jack. The Baker Co, Manifest, Plan Burrito, and Saint Hugo have also opened their doors. Independent traders like Sapenin, Hello Asia, Retroplex, and LV Nails further contribute to a vibrant and varied high street.
Tangible Improvements in Safety and Security
Parallel to this economic uplift, Swansea has become a safer destination for both trading and visiting. Recent figures from South Wales Police show a 40% positive outcome rate for reported shop thefts in November 2025, up from 35% year-on-year. Positive outcomes for anti-social behaviour have seen even more dramatic improvement, nearly doubling to 62% from 33% in November 2024.
This progress is credited to the sustained partnership between Swansea Business Improvement District (BID), Swansea Council’s Safer Swansea team (SABC), and South Wales Police. Business engagement with crime prevention tools has risen sharply, with use of the SentrySIS crime reporting platform up 28% year-to-date. Reports to SABC have also increased by 14%.
The city-wide StoreNet radio network now connects 152 businesses, facilitating real-time communication and swifter incident response across the central area.
Investment in People and Place
Swansea BID has made substantial investments in supporting frontline city centre staff through targeted training. In 2025, the BID facilitated 352 training spaces with an estimated value of £40,000, engaging 98 businesses across more than 40 courses. These covered personal safety for retail and night-time economy staff, emergency first aid, food safety, and mental health awareness.
This was complemented by 31 drop-in sessions and help desks, offering practical support on business funding, waste management, marketing, and energy cost savings. Environmental enhancements have also been a focus, with the BID supporting the maintenance of over 55,000 square metres of pavement and coordinating the removal of 170 graffiti tags to create a cleaner, more welcoming public realm.
Confidence for the Future
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said: “The rise in new business openings is a clear indicator of growing confidence in Swansea city centre. Coupled with improved crime outcomes, stronger communication, and sustained investment in training and the public realm, it demonstrates that effective partnership working is delivering tangible results.”
He also highlighted ongoing major developments such as 71/72 Kingsway, Y Storfa, Kartay’s Princess Quarter, and the Castle Gardens project as evidence of the city's positive trajectory. “I am confident that as we move into 2026, Swansea city centre will become an even more attractive destination for businesses to establish and grow,” Douglas added.
Swansea BID has stated its intention to build on this progress in the coming year, with a continued focus on safety, business support, and strengthening the city centre as a premier destination to visit, work, and invest.
